The Rotary Club of Uitenhage South recently welcomed its new president, Clive Hassell, during a gala dinner held on July 6. The event also marked the transition from the outgoing president, Riku Muller, who took the opportunity to distribute awards.
The first award, the Les Swift Award for Community Service, was presented to Nocawa Sinam for her dedicated efforts at the Rape Crisis Centre in KwaNobuhle. Here, she plays a crucial role in addressing the severe issues faced by women and children in the community.
Following this, a Paul Harris Fellowship—the highest honour Rotary can bestow—was awarded to Arno Strydom. This recognition, announced by Muller and presented by Alan Reynolds, a senior Rotarian and past president, was for Strydom’s ongoing compassionate work aiding the needy in our town.
Muller also summarised the achievements of his tenure, highlighting the club’s response to the recent flooding disaster. He concluded his speech by announcing a significant grant for flood relief from Rotary International, jointly received by the town’s two Rotary clubs, before passing the leadership to Clive Hassell.
Hassell outlined the plans for utilising the grant, which will be managed jointly by the two clubs. The funds are earmarked for various initiatives, including immediate flood relief, first aid training for disadvantaged community members, and tree planting in affected areas. He also mentioned a R1.2 million grant aimed at training early childhood development practitioners in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Looking ahead, Hassell expressed his aspirations for the club’s continued support for education, including the establishment of a new Interact club at a local high school. He also highlighted the upcoming Fun Run in February, which provides a fundraising opportunity for local charities, particularly schools. Additionally, he mentioned the impending task of sorting and distributing 30 000 books donated from the USA.
In his closing remarks, Hassell emphasised Rotary’s commitment to community service and invited local residents to contribute, not financially, but through their passion and care for the town and its people.
